The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying is a contemporary spiritual masterpiece and one of the world's most profound sources of sacred inspiration. Sogyal Rinpoche interprets Tibetan Buddhism for Western students, offering new ways to look at life and death. He teaches us to transcend our fear and denial of death, enabling us to discover parts of ourselves that will survive eternally. Rinpoche has a unique ability to explain the simple yet powerful ideas behind Tibetan beliefs and practices, providing rewarding new visions of how we can transform our lives, prepare for death, and help the dying. Download and start listening now!

Listener Reviews

Review by Cherie | 2/19/2014

" A I spent a good nine months reading this book--I read a few pages before bedtime, whenever I had time. It really impacted me and was amazing. I loved this book, though it was sad and hard to read at times. "

Review by Alexandra | 2/5/2014

" This book changed the way I think about my life and motivations. It is amazing. "

Review by Zen Meditation | 2/4/2014

" The achievement of this ancient text is that it firmly establishes that, in Buddhist theory, death is not an end, but a progression and, implicitly, outlines that change in the only constant, thereby celebrating one of the key precepts in Buddhism. A mainstay in the Buddhist catalogue. Highly recommended for one cannot have a thorough or (nearly) comprehensive understanding of Eastern philosophy without first reading this book. "

" I read this book when I knew my mom wasn't going to live a whole lot longer. It helped me (and her) make the ending as lovely a journey as it can be. We don't spend enough time ushering ourselves out of this world. I read this again and again. "

Review by Andrea Joanna | 1/17/2014

" Please read this book. It is such an inspiring and interesting read, especially because a lot of the ideas in this book are unfamiliar, or rarely fleshed out in American culture. "

Review by Paul | 1/16/2014

" No other book on earth contains the precious wisdom that this one does. When I read it in 1994, it both saved and changed my life, as it has countless others around the world. Rinpoche, I owe everything to you. "

Review by Maureen | 1/14/2014

" One of the dharma books that really woke me up and benefited me the most in "the early days" of my path. "

Review by Jennifer Rubenstein | 1/12/2014

" some of it really resonated, some of it seemed way out there, I'm glad I read it. "

Review by Shauli Chaudhuri | 1/7/2014

" You must read it a number of times to "get it." Essential for anyone interested in trying to understand the basic teachings of Buddhism. "

Review by Tsering yangzom | 12/24/2013

" to read it again.and again. "

Review by Leslie | 12/20/2013

" This is a fabulous book. I have finished it & have started reading it again. There are layers upon layers of gentle insight in this book! "

Review by Rebecca | 12/19/2013

" an incredibly clear writer. the clarity of his mind and heart can be felt through his words. a great read for anyone interested in learning more about meditation practice, tibetan buddhism or simply how to live life fully human "

Review by Brett | 12/6/2013

" I will keep reading and reffering to this book till the day i die. "

Review by Julie Hersh | 7/24/2013

" Great book in terms of information, but felt it was frequently redundant. Very much liked the description of Tonglen and am trying to incorporate this form of meditation into my own practice. "

Review by Jono Lineen | 12/28/2012

" True guidance for this life and beyond. This is not a book, it is a way of life. Don't open the cover and think your life will not change. "

Review by Ashlee | 12/10/2012

" One you should always keep on you! "

Review by Bonnie | 12/3/2012

" Very helpful to me when a young friend was dying "

Review by Evan | 10/19/2012

" This book reminds the reader, again and again, of his impending death -- and somehow, neither morbidly or sadly. The idea of death, as conceptualized in the Buddhist tradition, becomes calming and even liberating. "

Review by Shira Gregory | 9/8/2012

" I can only do about two pages at a time max before I gaze off and contemplate, so not a page-turner, but in that savory good way. "

Review by Annie Lawler | 9/7/2012

" One of the best books I've ever read. Surprisingly accessible and accepting of all religions and cultures and talks about one of the subjects we in the West have great difficulty with - death - with compassion and practicality. I love it. "

Review by Anca | 8/28/2012

" one of the life-changing actions was reading this book "

Review by JoAnn | 7/21/2012

" I re-read this book and will continue to read it over and over. It really helps me realize that all my problems are mind made. "

Review by Roy Dimond | 3/20/2012

" Anyone contemplating Buddhism should read this, after they have a little grounding in the subject. It will inspire you to seek more. "

Review by Miranda Bane | 3/11/2012

" Like the prophet, this is a great book to read and re-read at different points in your life. A good reminder of what is truly important... and how to let go of what is not. "

Review by Jane Mason | 2/22/2012

" great insight to some of the greatest questions we face as humans. all good news. "

Review by Elizabeth | 10/24/2011

" This book changed my life. "

Review by Rosemary | 5/10/2011

" I read this book on and off, it's one to pick up...read, think, and put down.
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Review by Matthew | 3/30/2011

" A beautiful introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist views on death and subsequently life. Very moving.
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Review by Melissa | 3/21/2011

" In the top 5 list of books that changed my life.
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Review by Mariana | 2/13/2011

" How we live effects how we die. I want to read this amazing book again.
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Review by Tudor | 12/12/2010

" If you are interested in buddhism, this is a very good introduction (do not read boring). I think mostly it explains how buddhists view and live their life and how they view and handle death.
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Review by Donnamae | 12/6/2010

" Overall I liked the book, some parts I personally was uninterested in. What I was looking for and what was in the book were two different things but decided to read it anyway. Good.
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Review by Phil | 11/7/2010

" to put is simply, this book is my "bible" on how i view life.
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Review by Rebecca | 10/23/2010

" an incredibly clear writer. the clarity of his mind and heart can be felt through his words. a great read for anyone interested in learning more about meditation practice, tibetan buddhism or simply how to live life fully human
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Review by Sharad | 10/2/2010

" changed my life forever , a must read for all ages and times to come
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Review by Alexandra | 9/19/2010

" This book changed the way I think about my life and motivations. It is amazing.
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